Contributed by: Booker_PeePat Book(others by this writer | submit your own)Published on April 10th 2001The latest full-length release from The Mad Caddies is the introduction of what they call "pirate-core". The Caddies have always been my favourite "ska/punk" band, and as far as i can tell, this isn't a huge shift from the style of music they displayed on their first disc, "Quality Softcore" and .

The latest full-length release from The Mad Caddies is the introduction of what they call "pirate-core". The Caddies have always been my favourite "ska/punk" band, and as far as i can tell, this isn't a huge shift from the style of music they displayed on their first disc, "Quality Softcore" and their far superior second disc, "Duck and Cover", and their great EP "The Holiday's Been Cancelled" except for a couple of songs that go out of their way to sound very pirate-like indeed, using accordians and textured synths.

The most obvious difference on this record is the fact that the horns have become a lot less prominent than on the previous discs. It's almost as though they were using the horns on their first record to distract listeners from the fact that their guitar playing wasn't all that stellar, and as the guitar parts have gotten better and more complex, the horns have been used less and less. Only about half the songs on this cd incorporate the horns in a serious way. Fortunately, the guitars are huge and well-layered, and there are some great instrumental hooks and some stellar solos. When there are horn parts, they are very catchy, showing off the bands talent for integrating the trumpet and trombone into their tunes, oftentimes using great mutes for dynamics. The album ends on an interesting note with "All-American Badass", which is reminiscent of "Crew Cut Chuck" off their first cd in how it integrates two sharply contrasting musical styles, this one combining polka and punk, sort of how NOFX did on "Theme From A NOFX Album" from Pump Up The Valuum.

Carter's singing is as great as ever. He has a great voice that complements the bands' arrangements very well, and it's always nice to see singers in punk bands with deeper voices. The lyrics are as good as the Caddies have ever had, with odes to pot ("Mary Melody"), the domineering pirate-core lifestyle ("Weird Beard"), and even some social commentary ("We'll Start To Worry When The Cynics Start Believing").

This album seems to be following Less Than Jake's latest, Borders and Boundaries, in the sense that the ska elements are pushed away in favour of a harder punk sound. It suits the Caddies well, though, and they deliver another solid, complete album that shines from start to finish.

One of the greatest Ska bands known to man.... I served these guys alcohol....

Nikole

Anonymous (May 31, 2005)

Simply the best Mad Caddies Album!!!

Anonymous (December 6, 2003)

I'm a ska fan, a big one. This is an average ska punk album and nothing more. The lyrics are poor at best and the whole pirate thing was lost on me. There are no decent hooks or melodies to speak of, I was dissappointed.

This album is amazing, the Mad Caddies have a great sound, and it's interesting to hear bands trying to sound a little different than most of the punk rock scene. Of course, some won't like the horns. Oh well.

Anonymous (October 8, 2001)

Madcaddies rule... Sonik the Hedgehog has no life...

-Sr. Potpourri

Anonymous (September 6, 2001)

sonik man its people like you who need to be fucked in prison to shut you the fuck up

Hey what's up Pat. God you're a piece of shit. Do you know how much i fucking hate you? No, Well then let me tell you all about it. I fucking hate you. Your reviews suck, you like shitty bands, you suck cock for a living, you like to suck goat's asses. You are a damn goat sucker (CHUPACABRA). It other words, you are a slimy weird looking little midget thing that lives in the desert of Mexico. You suck at reviewing as mentioned above, and i fucking hate you. YOU ARE A BUTT PIRATE. Now, as for the cd it's pretty good, but on a side note PAT IS A FLYING PIECE OF FUCK. Thank you for taking the time to read this review of PAT being a big asshole. By the way I can type right. and GRAMATICALLY CORRECT (notice I didn't spell the word gramatically wrong while ripping apart someone's grammar)do you See dickhead? By the way i will post this on every review you write.

Anonymous (June 14, 2001)

to poppy?!?!?!!? Compared to older stuff? What are you on!? This is LESS poppy then anything they have done. Ever listen to songs like "Macho Nachos" and "Monkeys"? Jesus!

Anonymous (May 21, 2001)

i've loved them since the first time i heard their first album, but rock the plank is way too poppy. i was expecting so much more after the holiday has been cancelled. dont get me wrong, this is a pretty good cd, but not nearly as good as their old material.

Anonymous (May 7, 2001)

The album is definitely their best work yet. They are the best band on fat without a doubt. They just recently got some airplay on kroq (los angeles 106. 7) as a catch of the day. Watch out these guys are ready to go bigtime. I would love to see them sell out. People need to hear them play.

Anonymous (April 25, 2001)

This release is really awesome . There are not enough horns , but they must change somehow , too . especially "Hound Bound" ,"Days Away" and "Shaving your live" are great . Best release of this year !

The best CD I've ever heard. A correction, in the review it said that Carter sings, but it is actually Chuck who sings, Carter does guitars. Weird Beard is the best song on the CD. Very catchy, and very different. My favourites are B-side, Mary Melody, Days Away, and Weird Beard. But they are all awesome.

Anonymous (April 13, 2001)

I'm sure it's a great album, but Melbourne band Sforzando have been playing pirate core for years, and what would you call friggin in the riggin?

Anonymous (April 10, 2001)

This CD is great. I do miss the cirus music element of the caddies though...

Anonymous (April 10, 2001)

good disc couldve done without weird beard...kind of a lame track, like i wanna listen to thateverytime i listen to the album....

it shouldve at least been the llast track. but other than that its some great mad caddies fare.